WikiLeaks on IRA, illegal Irish

The cables reveal the massive property and business empire run by the IRA through links between Ireland, Bulgaria and Britain.

Foley told Washington, “He said he would be concerned if that flow stopped for 10 or 12 years.”
Cowen was reported to have said the “unresolved issue” could affect “bilateral relations” in the future if young Irish no longer had the opportunity to go to America to work.

Foley’s cable made it clear he was impressed by Cowen’s direct approach, but he still couldn’t give the Irish government leader any assurances the U.S. would do anything to help the status of the 50,000 Irish estimated to be living illegally in America.